The artwork titled “Thou shalt not steal” was created by the esteemed artist John Singer Sargent in 1918. Rendered in watercolor and adhering to the Impressionism movement, this piece exemplifies a genre painting approach, capturing everyday scenes with delicate and nuanced hues.
In the artwork, two figures are depicted engaging in what appears to be the act of picking fruit from lush, green foliage. The vivid colors and dynamic brushstrokes bring to life the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a vibrant and immersive natural setting. The figures, dressed in outdoor attire suggestive of a casual or possibly wartime context, are portrayed with their backs to the viewer, fully absorbed in their activity. The juxtaposition of light and shadow, coupled with the fluidity of the watercolor medium, underscores Sargent’s masterful ability to convey movement and atmosphere, drawing the observer into a moment of seemingly innocent yet possibly mischievous human interaction.
